Grandison had 19 points by halftime and matched his career high with six 3-pointers as the Crusaders (12-9, 3-5 Patriot League) shot 63 percent from beyond the arc (12 of 19). Butler scored the last five points in a 10-0 run to open the second half as Holy Cross grabbed a 42-34 lead with 16:34 left to play and never trailed again.

George Kiernan hit a 3-pointer to pull the Midshipmen (6-13, 3-5) within 65-61 with 46 seconds left, but Caleb Green sank four free throws from there to help Holy Cross hold on. Green scored 13 of his 15 points in the second half.

George Kiernan was a one-man show for Navy. The senior forward matched his career high with 27 points, sinking a career-best seven 3-pointers. Kiernan had missed all eight of his 3-point tries over the previous two games, until sinking 7 of 13 against the Crusaders. He added eight rebounds. Evan Wieck snagged 13 rebounds for the Midshipmen.

Holy Cross led 30-25 late in the first half, but Kiernan's 3-pointer with seven seconds left capped a 9-2 run and gave Navy a 34-32 halftime lead.